Skip to content
Magnification: 5-25x56Tube Diameter: 34mmFocal Plane: First (FFP)Adjustment Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 39 ozEye Relief: 3.4 inReticle: VPR MILExceptional glass clarity for its classPrecise and tactile turretsSturdy 34mm constructionLifetime warrantySlightly heavy for field carryNo zero stop indicator on early models
Magnification: 1-8x24Focal Plane: First (FFP)Reticle: EBR-8Tube Diameter: 30mmWeight: 23.9 ozAdjustment Value: 0.25 MOARapid target acquisitionExcellent daylight illuminationTrue 1x for CQB useSlight fish-eye effect at 1xLimited elevation range for extreme long shots
Magnification: 3-18x44Tube Diameter: 30mmFocal Plane: Second (SFP)Weight: 23.6 ozReticle: FireDot DuplexEye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 inCrystal-clear HD glassUltra-lightweight for its rangeSuperb low-light performancePremium pricingNo FFP version in this model
Magnification: 3-18x50Tube Diameter: 30mmReticle: ACSS ApolloAdjustment Value: 0.1 MILFocal Plane: FFPWeight: 28.2 ozExcellent glass for priceSmart reticle designSolid zero retentionSlight tunnel vision below 5xSlightly bulky
Magnification: 5-25x56Tube: 34mmReticle: MIL-XT FFPAdjustment Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 38 ozUnmatched clarity and resolutionRock-solid trackingExceptional durabilityExpensiveHeavy
Close to Mid-Range (0–400 yards): Go for LPVOs like the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x or Arken LH-6. They’re ideal for tactical and defensive setups.Mid-Range Precision (400–700 yards): Scopes like the Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50 or Leupold VX-6HD shine for hunting and target shooting.Long-Range (>700 yards): High-magnification FFP optics such as the Arken EP5 or NightForce ATACR maximize ballistic potential.Tube Diameter: Prefer 30mm–34mm for better adjustment range.Weight: The SFAR benefits from lighter optics (sub-30oz) for field use.Reticle Type: Choose FFP for long-range holdovers, SFP for fast acquisition.Durability: Make sure it’s rated for .308 recoil and fully waterproof.
More
Share
Explore
5 Best Scope for Ruger SFAR: Precision, Power & Practicality Combined
When I began testing the best scope for Ruger SFAR, my goal was simple — find optics that could match this rifle’s unique versatility.
The Ruger SFAR (Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle) is a lightweight .308 powerhouse that bridges the gap between AR-15 ergonomics and AR-10 ballistics. To maximize its potential, you need a scope that balances durability, clarity, and magnification flexibility.
After spending months testing different optics across varying shooting distances — from 50 to 800 yards — I’ve narrowed down the top performers across all categories: tactical LPVOs, hunting scopes, and long-range precision optics.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Ruger SFAR of 2025
Here’s a quick look at my top picks before we dive into the detailed breakdown:
1. Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP
The Arken EP5 delivers remarkable clarity and precision at a price that undercuts many premium brands. Built around a 34mm tube and an advanced VPR reticle, it’s tailor-made for pushing the Ruger SFAR beyond 800 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ED glass provides near-edge-to-edge clarity with minimal chromatic aberration. The VPR reticle shines for long-range work, offering accurate holdovers and windage adjustments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
The 3.4 inches of eye relief feels consistent through the magnification range, and the eye box is surprisingly forgiving for a high-magnification FFP.
Durability:
I mounted it using 34mm one-piece rings on my Ruger SFAR and ran 400 rounds of 168gr .308 Hornady Match through it. The zero held flawlessly even after repeated recoil stress.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The 0.1 MIL clicks are tactile and distinct. I ran a box test at 100 yards, and the tracking returned perfectly to zero.
Magnification & Parallax:
From 5x to 25x, magnification transitions smoothly, and the side parallax is spot-on for long-distance precision.
Mounting & Accessories:
Arken’s included throw lever and sunshade are useful touches. The 34mm rings provided ample stability on the SFAR’s rail.
My Personal Experience:
Zeroing took five rounds, and the EP5 stayed consistent out to 700 yards on steel targets. It’s a beastly optic for long-range SFAR builds.
Online Feedback:
Reddit and SnipersHide users often compare it to $1,500 scopes for half the price. Most praise its optical performance and mechanical repeatability.
Verdict:
If you want a precision-ready optic under $700, the Arken EP5 is unmatched.
2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x24 FFP Riflescope
An ideal match for those who use the Ruger SFAR as a do-it-all carbine. The Strike Eagle FFP offers fast target acquisition up close and precision out to 500 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
At 1x, the image is crisp and distortion-free in bright light. The EBR-8 reticle provides holdovers that match .308 ballistics well.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief is generous at 3.8 inches, and the wide eye box allows quick sight picture transitions during dynamic shooting.
Durability:
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, it shrugged off drops and recoil during field drills and range tests.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Click adjustments are solid, with audible feedback typical of Vortex’s quality.
Magnification & Parallax:
Parallax is fixed at 150 yards, which is standard for LPVOs. Magnification transitions are smooth and resistance-free.
Mounting & Accessories:
I used a Vortex cantilever mount (30mm) — perfect alignment and zero shift after multiple sessions.
My Personal Experience:
This was my go-to for tactical drills. It handled rapid-fire engagements beautifully while maintaining accuracy at mid-range targets.
Online Feedback:
AR-10 and SFAR owners on AR15.com rate it highly for its reticle functionality and low-light performance.
Verdict:
A perfect LPVO for shooters who want their SFAR to excel in both close and mid-range engagements.
3. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44
The VX-6HD is an elite optic that blends Leupold’s renowned optical clarity with field-ready ruggedness — ideal for both tactical and hunting configurations on the Ruger SFAR.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Edge-to-edge clarity and Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system excel at dawn and dusk. The FireDot reticle makes fast acquisition effortless.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
The generous eye relief helps prevent scope bite even under SFAR’s recoil impulse.
Durability:
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof — mine survived a rain-soaked hunt in Wyoming without a single issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The CDS-ZL2 turrets are a highlight: precise, tactile, and easy to reset zero.
Magnification & Parallax:
Adjustments from 3x to 18x are smooth, with a side parallax knob that locks tight at 100 yards.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted on a 20" Ruger SFAR with 168gr loads, it consistently produced 0.7 MOA groups at 200 yards.
Online Feedback:
Hunters and tactical shooters alike praise its weight-to-performance ratio. Many call it the “Gold Standard” for hybrid rifles.
Verdict:
If you want lightweight premium optics with superior light transmission, this is it.
4. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II Rifle Scope
Primary Arms has refined the SLX line into one of the most dependable mid-range FFP scopes on the market. Perfect for the Ruger SFAR shooter seeking long-range accuracy on a budget.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ACSS Apollo reticle is built for long-range precision with built-in ranging and wind hold points. Glass clarity rivals scopes twice the price.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
A forgiving eye box, especially between 4–10x. Eye relief remains consistent at 3.6 inches.
Durability:
Nitrogen purged and IP67 rated — I tested it under foggy and rainy conditions; zero never shifted.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The turrets provide firm, audible clicks. Box test tracking was within 0.1 MIL accuracy.
Magnification & Parallax:
Side parallax adjustment is smooth and accurate, maintaining focus from 25 yards to infinity.
My Personal Experience:
This scope gave me 600-yard hits on 10-inch steel plates with a 16" SFAR barrel.
Online Feedback:
Forum reviews often highlight its value and ruggedness. Many consider it a “budget powerhouse.”
Verdict:
A strong contender for anyone seeking affordable long-range excellence.
5. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
A professional-grade optic that defines long-range precision. The ATACR line is widely used by military and competitive shooters — and pairs incredibly well with the Ruger SFAR for extreme accuracy.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Schott glass with stunning clarity. The MIL-XT reticle allows ultra-precise holds even beyond 1000 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous eye box and crisp relief made it easy to maintain position during prone shooting.
Durability:
This scope is bombproof — it held zero through heavy .308 recoil and field drops during testing.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Each click is perfection. Zero stop and turret feel are industry-leading.
My Personal Experience:
On the SFAR, it pushed consistent hits on 10-inch plates at 1000 yards. The performance was flawless even under variable wind.
Online Feedback:
Competitive shooters and military users swear by its consistency. Considered one of the world’s best tactical optics.
Verdict:
If price isn’t a constraint, this is the ultimate scope for the Ruger SFAR.
How to Choose the Right Scope for the Ruger SFAR
When picking the best scope for Ruger SFAR, consider how you’ll use your rifle.
Other key factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for Ruger SFAR?
For versatile shooting, 3-18x or 1-8x are ideal. For long-range, go 5-25x.
2. Can I use LPVO scopes on a Ruger SFAR?
Absolutely. LPVOs like the Vortex Strike Eagle offer both speed and precision.
3. What mounts should I use?
Use a solid one-piece 20 MOA mount or quality 30mm rings for better zero retention.
4. Does the Ruger SFAR need a high-end scope?
Not necessarily. Scopes like the Primary Arms SLX and Arken EP5 deliver stellar performance under $1,000.
5. What’s the difference between FFP and SFP for SFAR use?
FFP is preferred for precision and long-range shooting, while SFP is better for hunting and fast acquisition.
6. How do I zero my scope?
Start at 50 yards, then refine to 100. Most SFARs hold zero within 5 rounds when using quality mounts.
Conclusion
Finding the best scope for Ruger SFAR depends on how you plan to shoot — whether fast-paced tactical work or long-range precision. My top recommendation for serious shooters is the Arken EP5 5-25x56 for its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. If budget allows, the NightForce ATACR is simply in a league of its own.
For those seeking a lighter, versatile optic for field or defensive use, the Vortex Strike Eagle or Leupold VX-6HD are unbeatable companions.
No matter your choice, each scope on this list has been tested and proven to bring out the full potential of the Ruger SFAR platform — combining accuracy, reliability, and shooting confidence at every range.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.